Society likes to rally around catch phrases. Mottoes as "Cure" cancer, "Strike Out" ALS, or "End" poverty are regular jargon in American society. But when it comes to homelessness, there are no catchy slogans. Most people understand that October is "Breast Cancer Awareness" month. Few realize that November is "National Homeless Youth Awareness" month. Most states offer their citizens licence plates which proclaim slogans like "cure cancer" or "save the environment". But most states (if any) do not offer an "end homelessness" plate.
When confronted with a homeless person on the street, many people look at the person as having some sort of personal failing. Granted, it is not uncommon for a homeless person to suffer from a drug and alcohol addiction. But these illnesses often times are not the root cause to chronic homelessness. More often than not, more deep-rooted issues, such as domestic violence, broken homes, mental health, and unemployment began the spiral leading to sleeping on a park bench.
No matter the circumstance, doesn't a human being deserve some amount of kindness and compassion? We often talk of being a "forgiving" nation, so why not forgive and lift up someone with a Master's Degree from Boston University who lost is way through alcoholism?
But giving change to a beggar on the street may not be the best way to help. All too often, that money goes right down the bottle or in the needle. Instead, offering "survival items" such as food and clothing can provide more aid than any financial donation.
Even more important than the items themselves is the personal relationship that develops. Sometimes all these folks want is someone to talk to. Just a person willing to listen to their opinions for just a minute. This is something all of us can do.
